Lately, a lot of people are asking:
“Do we really need the Department of Education?”
Or they’ll say, “Why not just let parents choose where to send their kids and let the free market handle it?”
Fair questions. In fact, it sounds like common sense: shrink the federal government, let states run their own schools, and give parents more options.
But here’s why that idea isn’t as simple—or as fair—as it seems.
1. We Need a Referee, Not Just 50 Different Teams
States and local districts do run most schools—but the federal government is there to make sure kids in every corner of the country get a fair shake.
- The Department of Education sends extra funding to schools that serve low-income families or students with disabilities.
- It enforces civil rights laws, making sure schools can’t discriminate based on race, sex, or disability.
- It makes sure states are actually teaching kids—not just passing them along.
Think of the Department of Education like a referee in a football game. The teams still play—but someone has to enforce the rules.
2. Education Isn’t Just a Local Issue Anymore
We don’t live in isolated little bubbles anymore.
- Families move across state lines for jobs or military service.
- Companies need a workforce that’s educated across all 50 states.
- National security, the economy, and even public health depend on people knowing how to think critically and solve problems.
If a kid in Alabama can’t read, that matters to a business in Ohio, a recruiter in Texas, and a college in Oregon.
3. Privatization Isn’t the Magic Fix People Think It Is
“School choice” sounds great—but in reality, privatizing education creates more problems than it solves.
- Private schools don’t have to take every student—especially kids with special needs or behavior issues.
- Many voucher programs send taxpayer dollars to schools with no oversight, no accountability, and no requirement to show results.
- The money often leaves public schools weaker, especially in rural or low-income areas.
It’s like pulling water out of the public well to fill a few private pools—and then wondering why the well’s running dry.
4. Public Schools Are the Backbone of This Country
No other institution in America takes in every single kid, no matter their ability, income, or background.
Public schools:
- Feed hungry kids.
- Care for kids with disabilities.
- Offer a safe place to learn, grow, and dream—no matter the ZIP code.
You can’t have a strong country without strong public schools. Period.
Final Thought
If you believe in fairness, opportunity, and strong communities—you should want our schools to work for everyone, not just those with money or good luck.
The Department of Education isn’t perfect. But tearing it down won’t make things better.
Fixing what’s broken—and protecting what works—is the real conservative approach.